Residents of the Gomel region submitted a petition to the regional executive committee, asking for protection from drones.
— Due to the increasing frequency of unmanned aerial vehicle flights over the territory of the Gomel region, we ask you to pay attention to the safety of the residents of the Khoiniki region. First of all, we are talking about children who attend kindergartens and schools,” says the petition.
The authors of the appeal cited the example of the crash of one of the UAVs in Gomel in early September. Officials were also reminded that there are about two dozen preschool and secondary school institutions in the Khoiniki region:
“Every day, when we put our children there, we don’t find a place for ourselves.” We believe that it is the duty of the authorities and the military to ensure the effective protection of their citizens in every possible way. We urgently request that educational institutions in the Khoiniki region be equipped with electronic warfare (EW) equipment. They can be installed on the roofs of educational institutions.
As Zerkalo notes, the appeal was forwarded to the Main Department of Education of the regional executive committee. The answer to the authors of the petition came on 4 November.
It is unlikely that the worried residents of the Khoiniki region liked him. The head of the education department, Ruslan Smirnov, summed it up in one sentence:
— Measures are organized to ensure the safety of children in educational institutions in the Khoiniki region in accordance with the safety rules approved by Resolution of the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Belarus No. 227 dated 08/03/2022.
We will remind you that military drones have been flying into the territory of Belarus since the summer of this year. Recently, these incidents have become widespread. For example, on November 2, at least 5 Russian suicide bombers flew into Belarus.
In such cases, military aircraft often take to the air. Several cases of UAV crashes have already been recorded in Belarus. One of them, which happened in early October in Kalinkovichi, was caught on video by a local resident.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Drone Safety Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Elena Sokolov, a leading expert in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) safety and regulation. Thank you for joining us today.
Dr. Sokolov: It’s my pleasure to be here. Thank you for having me.
Editor: Recently, residents of the Gomel region submitted a petition to their regional executive committee, expressing concerns about the safety risks posed by increasing drone flights. Can you tell us why such concerns are becoming more prevalent?
Dr. Sokolov: Absolutely. As the use of drones expands, particularly in urban and suburban areas, so too do the potential risks. In places like Gomel, where there’s heavy drone activity, residents are rightfully worried—especially given the recent crash of a UAV in September. The consequences of an accident can be dire, particularly for vulnerable populations like children.
Editor: Yes, the petition highlighted the safety of children attending local schools and kindergartens. What specific measures can be taken to protect these areas from drone-related incidents?
Dr. Sokolov: That’s a critical point. Communities need to implement clearer regulations regarding where drones can and cannot fly. Zoning laws could designate no-fly zones around schools and playgrounds. Enhanced communication between drone operators and local communities is necessary, along with proper training for drone pilots. Additionally, local authorities could consider employing drone detection technology that could help monitor and manage unauthorized flights.
Editor: The residents also referenced their petition to the regional executive committee. How important is it for local governments to engage with their communities in discussions about UAV safety?
Dr. Sokolov: It’s extremely important. Community engagement not only helps local officials understand the specific concerns of their constituents but also builds trust. When residents feel heard, they’re more likely to cooperate with guidelines and contribute to safer practices. Public forums, surveys, and regular consultation can foster a healthier dialogue between drone operators, local governments, and residents.
Editor: Given the rapid advancements in drone technology, are existing regulations keeping up with the pace of innovation?
Dr. Sokolov: Unfortunately, in many cases, they are not. Regulations often lag behind technological advancements. For instance, while we see improvements in drone navigation and safety features, the legal framework governing their use is often outdated. Governments worldwide need to adapt regulations that not only ensure safety but also encourage responsible innovation within the drone industry.
Editor: what can residents do if they’re concerned about drone safety in their neighborhoods?
Dr. Sokolov: Residents should first educate themselves about the specific regulations in their area concerning drone usage. They can raise concerns with local authorities, participate in community meetings about drone policy, and advocate for stricter regulations if needed. Building a coalition of concerned residents can also amplify their voices in discussions with local officials.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Sokolov, for providing us with such valuable insights. The issue of drone safety is increasingly relevant, and discussions like this can help create a safer environment for everyone, especially children.
Dr. Sokolov: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we keep this conversation going. Only through collaboration can we ensure that innovations like drones can coexist safely with our communities.
